“When words leave off, music begins.”
— Heinrich Heine
Every Wednesday brings Words of Wisdom here at the Color in my Piano blog in the form of a musical quote or joke, intended to bring inspiration or humor to the middle of your week. Have suggestions? Send an email off to admin[at]colorinmypiano.com.
Congratulations to…
You’ve won a magnet set! Winners, please email me at admin[at]colorinmypiano.com with your home address and I will get them mailed out!
I got the idea for this craft from Kara’s Creative Place blog (thanks for the brilliant idea, Kara!). Ribbon Rings (Kara’s example is pictured at right) are a fun prop for movement activities with young students during group lessons, camps, or early childhood music classes. Kids love fluttering the ribbons of these props while they do the motions to various songs. You can buy similar ribbon rings at musicmotion.com…..or you can make your own!
These ribbon rings are made using the (non-sticky) plastic tape that is found at most hardware stores near the Caution tape. I did consider using satin ribbon, however, plastic tape is much, much cheaper. And actually I was pleasantly surprised at the results of using plastic tape. I like it much better. Because it’s so light, it flutters in the air so much better than satin ribbon would. Definitely give it a try before you invest in satin ribbon! Continue reading “DIY: Ribbon Rings for Music & Movement Activities”
Just sending a quick reminder out – don’t forget to leave a comment or two in order to enter the magnet set giveaway! Read all the details here. The deadline is tonight at midnight. The three winners will be announced tomorrow.
Good luck, all!
Many college education (both music and otherwise) classes require students to write teaching philosophies. How many of you keep a teaching philosophy posted on your studio website or printed in studio materials? Have you updated it at all since your college days? And those of you who didn’t write one for college – have you considered writing one yourself?
Let me give you some reasons why you if you don’t have a written teaching philosophy, you should write one — and if you are using the one you wrote in college, you should consider updating it regularly. Continue reading “Thoughts on the Teaching Philosophy”
“I’m an interpreter of stories. When I perform it’s like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories.”
— Nat King Cole
Every Wednesday brings Words of Wisdom here at the Color in my Piano blog in the form of a musical quote or joke, intended to bring inspiration or humor to the middle of your week. Have suggestions? Send an email off to admin[at]colorinmypiano.com.
I’m pleased to announce a new blog giveaway!
The magnets pictured in this post are handcrafted by yours truly. I gave similar sets away to my piano students as Christmas gifts this year. Each set includes a pair of magnets that were created using vintage sheet music.
The magnets measure in size approximately 1/2 to 3/4-inch in diameter. They feature extra strong, Neodymium magnets (keep away from electronics, pacemakers, and children) that are able to hold 6+ pages onto your refrigerator! Continue reading “January 2011 Free Giveaway: Glass Magnets”
Here’s to looking backwards and looking forward! Here are some highlights from 2010:
Last month’s discussion forum brought out some great comments from you all! Most of you agreed that the teacher should play something on student recitals when possible, as long as the piece is not overly showy.
The dicussion topic for the January Forum:
Do you have any teaching goals for 2011? What changes or improvements would you like to make in your studio this year? What other goals do you have for yourself or your students?
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reassess and set attainable goals. Here are a few quick ideas just to get you brainstorming…
Good luck!
Photo Credit: somethingmarissa | CC 2.0
Hello Readers,
I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying this blessed season with your family and friends. I’ve been enjoying some time off from both school and blogging in order to visit and spend time with my family. I hope you’ve missed me while I was away. =) Although the blogger inside me has been taking a break, I can assure you that the piano teacher inside me has not taken a break! I have several projects underway that I can’t wait to share in the coming weeks/months.
Next month brings the beginning of my final semester of my master’s degree, which is certainly bittersweet for me. My husband and I do not yet know what the post-graduation months will bring, but I’m sure posts about our adventures will be forthcoming eventually.
Next month also brings my master’s solo piano recital, which will likely occupy much of my time and attention. My postings might again become sparse for a few weeks during January, so I hope you’ll forgive me!
As I contemplate the last year and look forward to the next, I can’t help but think of all of you, readers and supporters of Color In My Piano. The past year has seen a huge increase of visiters, followers, and commenters. This month even brought a few generous donations via paypal. Your support keeps me inspired and motivated to continue creating and posting! So thank you! I truly believe that through collaborations such as this, we not only help and encourage one another as piano teachers, but we also help bring integrity to our profession and calling.
I look forward to another wonderful year with all my internet friends.
Happy New Year!
– Joy
Photo Credit: BigKidsLoveToys | CC 2.0
“Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory.”
— Oscar Wilde
Every Wednesday brings Words of Wisdom here at the Color in my Piano blog in the form of a musical quote or joke, intended to bring inspiration or humor to the middle of your week. Have suggestions? Send an email off to admin[at]colorinmypiano.com.
After posting about the sheet music ornament star last week, I was inspired to dig around the web for other music-related crafts! There are tons of ways to recycle old sheet music (which you can often find at thrift stores, garage sales, auctions, and antique stores). Here’s a sampling of what I found! All links lead back to the original bloggers’/crafters’ websites. Click the photos to view them larger.
1. Sheet Music Garland | This fun garland is fast and easy, made by cutting out sheet music circles and sewing them together. It’s perfect for decorating a music room, fireplace mantel, or Christmas tree.
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2. Sheet Music Light Switch Plates | Cover your plain light switch plates with sheet music to give the room a little zing!
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3. Advent Calendar Cones | These sheet music cones can be used to stash Advent calendar goodies.
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4. Sheet Music Wreath | Hang this beauty on your door or above your piano. Another example is shown here. Also try mini ornament wreaths like the one as shown on this blog.
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